LAHORE: Authorities have launched a major crackdown on unsafe medicines across Punjab, seizing 16 substandard, adulterated and counterfeit medicines from medical stores in different cities of the province, raising concerns among citizens.
According to sources, samples of the medicines seized during operations in Lahore and various other districts were sent to the Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) for analysis. The laboratory reports have revealed serious concerns, with specific batches of the medicines declared harmful, substandard and counterfeit.
Which Medicines Were Found Substandard?
According to details released by the Health Department, the seized medicines included drugs used for the treatment of several important health conditions, including:
Medicines used to treat asthma and allergy symptoms.
Medicines used to prevent blood clots.
Tablets prescribed for vitamin B deficiency and nerve weakness.
Medicines used to relieve muscle spasms.
In addition, a widely used respiratory and cough syrup was found to contain toxic and harmful chemicals at levels significantly higher than the prescribed limits.
Veterinary Medicines and Injections Also Included
The action also covered medicines used for animal treatment. A Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccine and medicines used to treat various bacterial infections in animals were also declared substandard.
Meanwhile, two batches of a specific injection used to treat severe inflammation and allergic reactions have been suspended pending further investigation.
Authorities Order Immediate Action
The provincial Health Department and relevant regulatory authorities have ordered an immediate ban on the sale, purchase and use of all affected medicines.
Medical stores have also been directed to immediately remove the affected medicines from their stocks and comply with the orders issued by the authorities.
